Volvo Penta IPS celebrates 10 years

Ask Volvo Penta and it will tell you that, a decade ago, one system single-handedly changed the face of leisure and commercial boating. The game-changer? The Volvo Penta IPS.

In January 2005, the London Boat Show saw the introduction and unveiling of the Volvo Penta IPS (Inboard Performance System) to the world’s marine industry.

The most notable feature of Volvo Penta IPS is the forward-facing propellers, which are mounted at the forward end of the propulsion unit. The propellers are counter-rotating, and pull the boat rather than push it unlike conventional propellers.

The propeller wash is parallel with the bottom of the boat, so that all the power developed drives the boat forward.

QUICK TAKE-UP
Something of an overnight sensation, the system was showered with industry awards and soon more than 100 boat models were installed with Volvo Penta IPS.

Over the years, the system has become even more popular with the addition of joystick steering and docking in 2006, followed by bigger pods and the Dynamic Positioning System (DPS).

By 2009, 10,000 units were in use, and today, more than 16,000 units have been sold, featuring in around 1100 boat models worldwide.

EFFICIENCY CLAIMS
During testing, the high-efficiency system proved to be 20 per cent faster than a traditional shaft installation, with 30 per cent lower fuel consumption, 15 per cent greater acceleration and 50 per cent lower noise and vibration levels, says Volvo Penta.

The high-efficiency system benefits customers with its low fuel consumption, low noise and vibration, comfortable ride, high speeds and excellent manoeuverability, adds the engine and drive maker.

Initially designed as a marine leisure product, Volvo Penta IPS instantly caught the eye of the marine commercial industry. Faced with demanding working environments, Volvo Penta IPS was said to outperform standard inboard shafts, offering operators a high-performing system in every respect.

The characteristics that made Volvo Penta a success in the leisure boating world have translated well into the marine commercial industry and, by the end of 2005, the first commercial pod was released. Wind farm vessels, coastguard boats, pilot boats and passenger transport have all installed the system to good effect.

A DECADE LATER
Today, the IPS system comes in a range of 10 models, from IPS350 to IPS1200, matched to three different pod sizes and available for twin, triple or quadruple installations.

Volvo Penta says its IPS is particularly suited to  sportcruisers, performance yachts and sportfishing boats from 30 to 100 feet, as well as commercial boats up to 30 metres.

Far from being just an engine, Volvo Penta IPS is a complete package that includes steering wheel, joystick, controls, instrumentation, propulsion unit and forward-facing propellers.

Alongside joystick docking and driving, Volvo Penta IPS is now available with a host of other Electronic Vessel Control (EVC) options, including autopilot, cruise control and DPS.

In addition, Volvo Penta’s unique Glass Cockpit system presents a clean, easy-to-use dashboard, offering an enhanced overview and greater control of both the engine and navigation.

Thanks to a team of marine specialists, engineers and naval architects, Volvo Penta says its IPS is going from strength to strength.

When the Inboard Performance System was first launched in 2005, no one could have predicted how — by turning the propellers around — the world of boating would change forever.

Ten years later, Volvo Penta IPS is still innovating and growing its strong position in both the leisure and commercial markets. The new forward-facing sterndrive released at the 2015 Miami Boat Show is a case in point. And 10 years is a good endorsement for IPS.